South Africa expels Israeli envoy over “insulting remarks” against President Ramaphosa

South Africa has declared Israel’s senior diplomat in the country persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours for “violating diplomatic norms,” including making “insulting remarks” against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ariel Seidman, who serves as chargé d'affaires at the Israeli embassy in South Africa, faces expulsion after being accused of attacking Ramaphosa on official social media channels and inviting Israeli officials to South Africa without government approval, Caliber.Az reports, citing the BBC.

In a statement, South Africa’s foreign affairs ministry said Seidman’s actions “represent a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege.”

The move comes amid already tense relations between the two nations. South Africa previously accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians at the International Court of Justice—a charge Israel denies. Currently, Israel does not have an ambassador posted in the country.

Seidman, who was appointed chargé d'affaires at Israel’s embassy last year, is also accredited to Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Namibia.

By Khagan Isayev